The Role of Junior Colleges in Educational Programs in Radiologic Technology.

Soule, A. Bradley

Recent Department of Labor and Public Health Service reports indicate that there are presently 72,000 people operating x-ray equipment in this country of whom 33,000 are registered technologists. It is estimated that by 1975 there will be a need for 100,000 technologists of whom at least 52,000 should be fully trained. Almost all formally trained technologists are being produced by the 1,200 hospital schools approved by the American Medical Association Council on Medical Education which provide courses 24 or more months in length, and more than 90 percent of which are terminal without college affiliation. There are approximately 60 colleges and universities (mostly community or junior colleges) which offer associate degree programs and a dozen which have developed or are developing baccalaureate degree programs. It is hoped that the college affiliated programs will produce more and more of the technologists of the future. The American Medical Association Council on Medical Education has made available "Essentials of an Approved School of Radiologic Technology" and "Essentials of an Approved School of Technologists in Radiation Therapy." The publication of "Essentials of an Acceptable School for Nuclear Medical Technicians and Technologists" is anticipated. (JK)